Music is the universal language of mankind. It is such a part of our lives that some of our reactions to music are automatic. Imagine listening to your favorite song; soon enough your toes will be tapping and your head will be nodding along to the beat. These automatic responses are the brains emotional response to hearing the music. When you think about the emotional responses that music evokes, you realize how important music is in our everyday lives. St. Camillus understands the importance of incorporating music into our residents’ regular routine.

St. Camillus is excited to announce that Rachel Miller has joined our South and North Residences’ (Assisted Living and Memory Care) as a full time Music Therapist. Rachel is a board certified Music Therapist and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2011. Her primary instrument is the clarinet; however, she is also extremely skilled with the harp, guitar, piano, and vocals. Rachel describes herself as first and foremost a musician, but she is also trained in human services. During her time at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, she mastered her musical talents while studying human anatomy, biology, psychology and sociology. With all of the knowledge and training that Rachel acquired, she is qualified to practice music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy allows for the therapeutic relationship to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Music is a vehicle for change. Music increases energy, promotes relaxation, enhances memory, decreases pain and it has the power to modify behaviors.

During the short time that Rachel has been here, she has already integrated group music activities, 1:1 music sessions with residents, an assisted living choir, hymn sing to capture spiritual composition, and the Lifelong Learners program. Lifelong Learners is a music history course that allows residents to learn about different genres of music as well as different composers.

Music is a way of life and it has the capability to make lives better. St. Camillus is thrilled to have Rachel as a Music Therapist and is excited to integrate additional music programming into the everyday lifestyle of our residents!